Aikido
Aikido
Aikido, which means the way of harmonizing with the spirit of the universe, is studied for six years in Elementary and continued into Adolescence. It is a young, fast-growing and revolutionary major martial art. All Elementary children study Aikido because, in addition to the sense of discipline, order and rigor it can help develop, its philosophy is in harmony with the education for peace that is part of the school’s ethos.
Aikido requires deep, focused breathing and concentration accompanied by complex, coordinated movement. Aikido is a meditation in movement. All Aikido classes, as well as all Elementary work cycles, begin with a short sitting meditation. All Elementary students study aikido during school hours and are expected to take at least one Aikido extra-curricular class per week beginning in their second year of Elementary. All Adolescent students have two ninety-minute Aikido classes per week and are expected to attend evening adult classes when they have reached the necessary skill level.
Aikido is taught by a master always an apprentice to his sensei in Japan. Practicing Aikido requires that the children demonstrate their progress through yearly examination, advancing from belt to belt. It develops their physical and mental strength and their resilience. Aikido is studied in Japanese, preparing students for the study of Japanese.
